The question was asked by a woman visited by me. She had been persuaded to attend some simple readings of the Scriptures held in a Christian's home, and for more than a year she had been coming, and had been startled by what she had heard.
She was, as we say, a decent, respectable sort of woman, but for all that she had to learn that she was a sinner in her sins; one who had forfeited her life through sin—
"The soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezek. 18:20)—one who had exposed herself to the just judgment of a holy God, "After this the judgment." Heb. 9:27.
Is this your case? It is if you are still unconverted.
The Holy Spirit of God wrought in her soul from time to time in the meetings, and she became disturbed about herself, and could not seem to get relief.
It was in this state I found her. There was evidently something keeping her back from salvation, joy, and peace in believing.
Feeling that it was a serious moment in her history, a distinct crisis, I pleaded with her to tell me what it was that was hindering her. At last she hesitatingly said, "You see, sir, I have lived all my life in forgetfulness of God, the Bible has been neglected, and I've had little or no thought about my soul or my sins, and it does not seem possible for me to get blessing from God now.”
Solemn confession indeed for anyone to have to make, but instantly I quoted from memory those magnificent words which fell from the lips of the Son of God: "All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men,”
"That takes you in and your sin." Then it was the question was asked, "The Bible doesn't say that, does it?”
No longer from memory but opening the Holy Book, I read from Matt. 12:31:
"Wherefore I (Jesus) say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men.”
"And shall I tell you why?" I inquired.
"Yes"' she said.
"Because the Blood of Jesus Christ His (God's) Son cleanseth us from all sin' (1 John 1:7). That is why.”
The next moment the anxious look was gone; her countenance was bright with joy; she had entered into life and peace.
"Wonderful, wonderful love of God to save me," she said. "And what a plea I've got now to answer Satan with when he comes along again and says, 'It is not possible for you to be saved.' All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men.”
The Word of God applied by the Holy Spirit had done its work according to Psa. 119:130, "The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”